The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of case documents concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. The president stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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